February 20, 2026
Local NewsState & National

Brown honored as 50-year member of American Legion

By Caleb Nelson
Jack Brown, left, receives a plaque, presented by Gary Handley, for his 50 years in the American Legion organization. The presentation was made Friday, March 22 at the Head-Endres Post 265 fish fry at the Adair County Health and Fitness Center.

Jack Brown, left, receives a plaque, presented by Gary Handley, for his 50 years in the American Legion organization. The presentation was made Friday, March 22 at the Head-Endres Post 265 fish fry at the Adair County Health and Fitness Center. (Caleb Nelson)

Jack Brown of Greenfield was recognized Friday night as being a 50-year member of the American Legion organization.

The Head-Endres Post 265 of Greenfield held their annual fish fry at the Adair County Health and Fitness Center, where Gary Handley made the official presentation.

Brown served in the Marine Corps in the late 1960s. He was supposed to go to Saigon, but ended up going to The Hague, Netherlands, working at the American Embassy there. That is where he met his wife, Marijke, and they have lived in Greenfield since 1976.

Brown finished college, earning a degree in personnel management and worked for years in banking and agriculture at the bank now known as FNB.

“The American Legion has been a wonderful organization,” Brown said. “They help the community and they help young people coming back from the service to join and get involved with the community. I can’t believe it’s been 50 years since I’ve been a member. I can’t believe how fast that time has gone.”

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson

Caleb is editor of the Adair County Free Press and Fontanelle Observer, with regular beats of Greenfield City Council, Adair County Board of Supervisors, Nodaway Valley School Board, sports and features. He works remotely from Greenfield where he lives with his wife, Kilee. He enjoys sports, giving guitar lessons, his church and being with family.